Mets notes: Francisco to make season debut

Francisco set to return

Twenty-one days from the finish line, the most expensive pitcher on the Mets’ active roster is finally ready for his 2013 debut.

The team announced that oft-injured reliever Frank Francisco would be joining the club in Cleveland. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson inked Francisco to a two-year, $12 million deal before the 2012 season. It was one of the worst contracts Alderson has signed since he took the reins in 2010.

Francisco, 33, went 1-3 with a 5.53 ERA during 48 games with the Mets last season. He underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow in December. His return to the big leagues consisted of a series of starts and stops.

Recently Francisco began appearing in a series of minor league games. Apparently the Mets believe his arm is healthy enough to face some big league hitters.

Wright in funk

David Wright had been hoping to return to the majors before the end of the season, but his progress has stalled.

"He’s had a rough time down there," said Mets manager Terry Collins.

Wright has been down in Port St. Lucie, Fla., for more than a week rehabbing a hamstring injury. The problem, according to Collins, is that the Mets do not have any pitchers down there throwing.

"So he’s not getting done what we hoped he would," Collins said.

Wright will rejoin his teammates in New York when the Mets return from this nine-game road trip Monday. He will resume his rehab at Citi Field.

Briefs

Collins is not concerned that catcher Travis d’Arnaud has struggled offensively (.143) during his first 17 games with the Mets. "We’ve got to reserve our judgment on where Travis is offensively," Collins said. "He’s a real sharp guy and he’s going to get it." … Las Vegas got bounced from the Class AAA playoffs Saturday night. Collins expects to inherit three or four players from that team for his roster.